Bucknell graduate transfer Nate Sestina made things official with Kentucky on Thursday, signing his letter of intent to play for the Wildcats next season.

“It’s been an amazing ride from Emporium (Pennsylvania) to Bucknell and everywhere in between, and it’s surreal to think my college basketball career isn’t over yet,” Sestina said. “I’m humbled to get started with Kentucky. I want to thank God, my family, my coaches, my teammates and John Calipari for this opportunity.”

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound forward averaged 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds for Bucknell last season, earning a place on the Patriot League Second Team. Additionally, Sestina shot 38 percent from the three-point line, connecting on 41 attempts.

“I think everyone knows my stance on graduate transfers. We are only going to take someone if it’s going to help both the kid and our program,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “I’m not going to take someone if they’re not going to have an impact. After seeing what Reid’s (Travis) move did for him this past season and how he helped our program, I told our staff if there are other kids in his situation that could benefit, let’s take a look at them.

“Nate falls into that scenario in that he’s achieved what he set out to do and now wants to take this thing to the next level. I’m excited to get to work with him because he’s where the game is going. He has the ability to play in the post but he can stretch you out, which gives us the ability to play a little different and open things up more. He’s a great kid from a great family who wanted this challenge.”

Sestina posted the following to his Twitter and Instagram accounts with the caption, “I rock Kentucky blue.”

About the author /

Shawn Smith is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, where he earned a degree in elementary education. He currently resides in Middlesboro, Kentucky and is a credentialed media member at the University of Kentucky. Smith founded and published Go Big Blue Country in November 2016. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @gbbcountry or reach him via email at gobigbluecountry@gmail.com